A Burlington County man admitted Tuesday sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl and beating an inmate to death in the Atlantic County jail in 2023, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.

Aahznier Hayes, 24, of Westampton, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and sexual assault. He faces up to 21 years in prison as part of the plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Prior to sentencing, Hayes will undergo an evaluation at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Avenel, Middlesex County, a requirement for all sex offenders.

Hayes was arrested June 20, 2023, following an incident Feb. 11, 2023, in which he picked the girl up from her home and traveled to a secluded location before asking her to perform a sexual act on him, the Prosecutor's Office said Thursday

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